Magic words: “permanent housing”

Your support helped 24 COTS clients move into homes of their own just since Monday! Thank you. And congratulations to our clients and staff who used your assistance well and effectively.

More magic words

When most people think about COTS, they think about shelter.

But did you know that we provide the crucial supports to keep over 400 people in permanent housing?

That number is going up soon.

In partnership with St. Joseph Health, we’ve renovated the second floor of the Mary Isaak Center to provide 11 private rooms to vulnerable adults. This will be permanent housing for up to 18 people. Residents will be able to cook for themselves or eat in our first-floor dining room. They’ll be able to access services at the Petaluma Health Center’s satellite office at our facility. Most importantly, they’ll be able to rely on a COTS case manager to help them navigate doctor’s appointments, finances, personal organization and more.

Can you help us welcome our new tenants?

We are looking for the following new items:

  • Small food storage containers
  • Individually packaged snacks—no nuts please
  • Fuzzy/cozy socks
  • Both women’s and men’s underwear (new)
  • Hard-to-kill house plants
  • Framed, ready-to-hang artwork (we love original pieces)
  • Shower totes (like students in dorms use) filled with personal care products:
    • Disposable razors
    • Shampoo/Conditioner
    • Body wash
    • Deodorant
    • Toothbrush
    • Toothpaste
    • Comb

To donate items please contact Angela Pustorino at [email protected]. Thank you!

Outreach branches out

This week, Cecily Kagy joined our outreach team. She’ll be training under our Petaluma veteran Randy Clay and then serving the Rohnert Park/Cotati area.

Our outreach specialists reach out to homeless people discharging from hospitals, camping, or sleeping in their cars. The specialists build trust with their clients, encouraging them to make the life changes that will create a safer, healthier life for themselves and the entire community.

They collaborate with local business owners, police officers and health care professionals. We all have a stake in making sure that people are safe.

Pictured: COTS’ Lead Outreach Specialist Randy Clay and a COTS client help Petaluma Police with a camp clean-up; Randy Clay offering assistance in Petaluma’s Putnam Plaza